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Middle School and High School

Transition-to-Work

This program is the heart of the Middle and High School programs at KAP. All other
goals revolve around this central theme. School-to-work transition provides the teen
with an opportunity to develop independence and productivity. The job coaching assistance
ranges from nominal to full assistance. The transition program operates year round,
with the peak activity time during the summer months. The KAP staff has forged cooperative
links with the business and the social services community in Bowling Green/Warren
County. The transition program integrates communication, literacy, math and daily
living skills which are taught in the work setting. A typical summer placement would
be: one hour of functional academic teaching, job placement for two hours, followed
by an additional hour of functional academic training. The teens earn a salary and
learn how to manage their money as well. The Middle School participants are involved
in volunteer positions so they can develop their work skills as well.

Educational Support

The KAP staff works closely with the public/private schools and transition counselors
to write and implement an appropriate Individualized Education Plan (IEP) designed
with a transition focus. Educational support is addressed through tutoring in an after
school setting at the KAP facility. The tutoring reinforces the academic skills, which
are targeted in the school and sometimes extends to the work setting. The broad educational
areas are: literacy, math, communication, technology and daily living activities.

Social Skills

Within KAP, the high school group has a “Teen Council”. The purpose of the Teen Council
is to provide high school students an opportunity to learn and practice leadership
and group participation skills with peers. Since KAP is housed in a university setting,
participants are able to use the Downing University Center, which has bowling, billiards
and a game room. The teens also decide to participate in other community recreation
activities such as basketball games, putt-putt golf, the Capitol Arts programs and
pool parties. A Teen Council for middle school participants has been formed with a
similar charter as the high school council.

Leisure/Recreation

The KAP participants have access to the Preston Center’s Health & Fitness Facility.
At the Center, teens and staff participate in various fitness activities that improve
their health and have a positive impact on their self-concept. In addition to the
indoor facilities, KAP offers an outdoor recreation program, including canoe adventures,
fishing and other outdoor activities. Teens participate according to their interest.
It has been found that once there is group bonding, peers encourage reluctant teens
as they try the new activity. This also has an impact on social skill development.

Community Involvement

The Teen Council and staff create, print and sell Christmas cards. This process involves
creativity, work, and a sense of accomplishment. Two card designs have been accepted
for the Kentucky Visual Arts traveling exhibit. With the proceeds from the card sales,
the Teen Council ‘adopts’ families from the participant’s respective high schools
for Christmas sponsorship. KAP participants purchase Christmas presents, wraps them
and takes them to the Family Resource Center for delivery to the families, an opportunity
to “give back” to the community.

KAP participants also take part in various community involvement activities throughout
the year.